Solar Farms in Space: Exploring Renewables Beyond Earth

• Dr Dan Lamb, from Swansea University, is researching the viability of low-cost, lightweight solar panels in space, to continuously generate energy and transfer it to Earth. Fueling green propulsion solutions, lunar bases, and space-based solar power, Lamb's work could revolutionize our energy sources.

Dr Dan Lamb from Swansea University is researching the viability of low-cost, lightweight solar panels in space, which could continuously generate energy and transfer it to Earth. His research focuses on cadmium telluride thin film semiconductor solar cells, which are widely used for terrestrial applications. Lamb is also developing a new laboratory with equipment that will provide the UK R&D community with specialised thin film semiconductors. His research could be used to power green propulsion solutions, lunar bases and space-based solar power. Lamb attributes his career in research to an inspirational chemistry teacher in secondary school and his supervisor during his PhD, who instilled a passion for research in him. He faces challenges in effectively communicating his research to the public, as well as competing for research funding. He encourages engagement with his research through radio interviews, articles, presentations and providing information to news outlets.

What Challenges does Dr Dan Lamb Face in His Research?

• Identifying and securing funding for research
• Obtaining the necessary lab equipment for conducting research
• Recruiting and training a qualified staff to work in the new laboratory
• Presenting complex scientific concepts to a non-scientific audience
• Overcoming the technical limitations of current solar panel technology
• Measuring the long-term efficiency of the solar cells
• Obtaining the required permissions and licenses to conduct research in space
• Developing a practical and cost-effective solution for transferring energy from space to Earth